Description
Baked creamy queso rice with steak strips delivers a mouthwatering combo that brings comfort and flavor straight to your dinner table. Your family will devour this cheesy, protein-packed dish that combines tender meat with rich, melted cheese and perfectly cooked rice.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Dairy and Liquids:
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lime
Seasonings and Additions:
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to a precise 350°F (175°C). Take a moment to verify your oven rack is in the center position for even heating.
- Grab a large mixing bowl and combine 2 cups of cooked rice, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup softened cream cheese, and 1 cup milk. Stir until your mixture looks smooth and creamy.
- Add the entire 10 oz can of diced tomatoes with green chilies to your rice blend. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to your taste preferences.
- Transfer the entire rice mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Pat your 1 pound of steak strips completely dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a beautiful sear.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil in a hot skillet over medium-high heat. Season your steak strips with 1 teaspoon each of smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic powder.
- Sear the steak strips for exactly 3-4 minutes, creating a delicious golden-brown exterior. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the strips during the last minute of cooking.
- Carefully arrange your seared steak strips on top of the prepared rice mixture in the baking dish.
- Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for precisely 20 minutes, watching for a bubbly, golden-brown surface.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped cilantro over the top for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Check rice doneness before adding to the cheesy mixture, as different rice types cook differently.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for the best sear on steak strips, creating a delicious caramelized exterior.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular cheese for lactose-free alternatives and use gluten-free seasoning.
- Slice steak against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness and easier chewing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Category: Baked
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 476 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg